Downsizing

More with Less

Is it possible for us to live fulfilling lives with fewer possessions? The answer is usually yes. As we age and grow professionally and personally, a normal side effect is to acquire more things in our lives. Clothes, technological gadgets, books, CDs and sports equipment are only a few of the many types of things that can end up filling our homes and, occasionally, overtaking our lives.

However, if a conscious decision is made, you can take a hard look at their possessions and most likely eliminate a significant amount of them, with pleasant side effects such as a feeling of increased freedom and a more fulfilling life.

If you think carefully about that drawer of gadgets, some from more than ten years ago, how many of them do you actually use? When was the last time you actually played lacrosse? And is that beret really necessary? It can be a liberating feeling to give away some unnecessary possessions to friends, family and charities. It can be a financially sound decision to sell items that have been gathering dust for years in your basement or attic.

If you make the choice to live with fewer possessions, perhaps getting out holiday decorations in the attic won’t be such a chore now that there aren’t any boxes to climb around; you can finally set up the basement and dedicate yourself to a new hobby. Most of all, that overwhelming feeling of hopelessness will be gone and you can devote your newfound high spirits to doing what you enjoy most. You will be living more, with less.